The Sanahin Chapter of the Armenian Educational and Cultural Association of Hamazkayin held a literary evening on May 24, 2018, at the Baronian Hall of the Armenian Center of Laval. Four Montreal-Armenian writers, Vrej-Armen Artinian, Andranik Petrosian, Haytoug Chamlian and Talin Latoyan were the guests of the event.
Member of Sanahin Chapter’s Executive Board, Nanor - Ashna Snabian, welcomed the audience, and said that the purpose of the event was to present the four Montreal Armenian writers and their works to the public, to congratulate and appreciate their work.
Mrs. Snabian presented Andranik Petrosyan and invited him to speak about his book ″The Armenian-Turkish Issue″. The writer introduced his research work, in which he had analysed the work and ideological basis of the Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission of 2001.
The author concluded that the preferred way of the peaceful settlement of the Armenian-Turkish conflict was the dialogue between the two peoples’ civil societies, and it could be developed through art and literature. It is worth mentioning that Andranik Petrosian has dedicated this book to his unforgettable and beloved wife, Khatun Temizdjian.
Nanor - Ashna Snabian presented Haytoug Chamlian’s biography and invited him to speak. The writer introduced his books Towards the Meeting and Sh, taking the audience to Lebanon (Western Beirut) and then, to Shushi. Chamlian also briefly spoke about the rest of his books, ″Irrevocable″, ″Nonreciprocal″ and "Opération Torréfaction."
The next speaker of the day was Talin Latoyan. After reading her biography, Nanor - Ashna Snabian invited her to speak and to present her book "Cherry-Tree". Latoyan spoke about the book also conveying its message to the little ones, their parents and to the immediate circle.
After reading Vrej-Armen Artinian’s biography, Mrs. Snabian invited the author to present his books, "Ostayn 8 - Roads", " Ostayn 7 - Constellation", " Ostayn 6 – Date Place" and " Ostayn 5 - Collection of Letters ".
Vrej-Armen Artinian read some excerpts from the letters with Hagop Garapents published in his latest book, to the audience. He also read an amusing story from his new book "Ostayn 8 - Roads" evoking a light smile on everyone's face.
The program became more interesting with the performed musical pieces, particularly, with the songs chosen by the writers. It was rather amusing when it turned out that Vrej-Armen Artinian and Andranik Petrosian had chosen the same song of ″Sardarapat″. The DJ of the event had to substitute one of them with another song. As an alternative, Varduhi Vardanyan's "Garot" was presented to the audience. Haytoug Chamlian had chosen Harut Pambukjian's "Vank" (1975) and Talin Latoyan had chosen the song "Blown Cherry Tree".
This interesting literary evening was attended by Montreal Armenians of different ages. They all listened to the speeches of the authors with great interest and asked questions to some of them. The coffee and pie table inside the hall had created a special intimate atmosphere between the guests and the writers.
Special thanks to the Executive Board of Sanahin Chapter of Hamazkayin, especially to Nanor-Ashna Snabian for this beautiful literary and musical evening.
T.L.